Chelsea’s prime landlord Cadogan has revealed that the first lettings for The Gaumont – its ambitious new £235m development on the King’s Road – are to be businesses with an eclectic creative edge.

The three new sign-ups will bring a blend of art, music and literature to the landmark re-invention of the 1934 cinema originally called Gaumont Palace. In more recent decades, the space was home to Habitat.

One of the new occupiers is a vinyl café start-up called New Forms. Then there is BookBar, an independent bookshop which will cultivate author talks and book clubs. The third business is Art Play, which will offer space for artists, workshops and exhibitions, as well as provide a collaborative environment for the local art community.

These colourful additions to the retail outlets bear testament to Cadogan’s previously stated vision to turn this part of Chelsea into a “creative quarter”. There is a total of 220,000 sq ft of new space in the development that stretches from No.196-222 King’d Road and already incorporates the revitalised Waitrose supermarket. Once completed, The Gaumont will have a new cinema and a roof top bar and restaurant with panoramic views across Chelsea, plus 47 new homes.

Cadogan’s grand plan is for The Gaumont to establish itself as creative “anchor” that will attract talent from far and wide and from across all genres of the arts to help it become a hub of innovation that will chime with Chelsea’s energetic and creative history.

Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan, said: ‘The Gaumont is a new landmark that celebrates the community, heritage, and artistic spirit of Chelsea. From the outset, we have collaborated closely with local residents to shape a development that reflects their vision, celebrating Chelsea’s cultural heritage, while supporting its thriving creative scene. Welcoming BookBar, New Forms, and Art Play will establish Chelsea Manor Street as a dynamic day-to-night destination for both locals and visitors. We look forward to seeing these businesses thrive and contribute to the continued evolution of King’s Road as a world-class cultural and retail destination.”

Some added retail unit detail, for enthusiasts:

BookBar will take a 1,242 sq. ft unit for its independent bookshop, wine, and coffee bar, cultivating a vibrant literary scene through author talks, book clubs, and events, while also providing a welcoming space for late night browsing and drinking four days a week.

New Forms will occupy 1,045 sq. ft as a vinyl café and boutique record shop curated by the team behind Next Door Records. It will serve as a hub for vinyl culture and social connection, while also featuring a music-led bar that regularly hosts events and collaborations with artists and musicians.

Art Play will initially establish itself at 20a Chelsea Manor Street before relocating to a larger 2,200 sq.ft space at 5 Chelsea Manor Street. Originally founded in Shoreditch, Art Play’s Chelsea expansion will offer a dynamic space for artists and art lovers alike. With an emphasis on creative engagement, it will provide workshops, exhibitions, and a collaborative environment for the local art community.